Kodak Signs Camera Deal

Jan 10, 2013

Eastman Kodak Company has signed two new licensing agreements with JK Imaging for Kodak-branded cameras and with Sakar for digital media products.

After struggling for more than a decade, Kodak filed for bankruptcy last January and stopped making digital cameras a month later, despite having invented the technology that created digital cameras in the first place. Now the company is eyeing a comeback through the licensing of its brand.

“Kodak remains a strong and trustworthy brand in the consumer space, and this agreement reinforces how valuable our brand is,” said Laura Quatela, president, Kodak and Personalized Imaging. “When we announced our plan to exit the digital camera business last year, we said we would explore licensing opportunities for the brand in this category.”

In a multi-year deal, JK Imaging now plans to return Kodak digital cameras to the market, alongside pocket video cameras and portable projectors. The first products in the new line will be available next quarter.

“Our decision to license the globally recognized Kodak brand from Eastman Kodak Company was a natural fit,” says Joe Atick, chief executive officer, JK Imaging. “With more than a century of imaging firsts, there is great significance and value in the Kodak name. We intend to continue this legacy and bring to market the next generation of must-have portable, personal electronics.”

In a second deal, Sakar is building on its line of Kodak digital media products that launched last year with a newly expanded agreement and new product lineup. The line, which is set to hit shelves this spring, will include a webcam, digital photo viewers, digital photo frames, binoculars, camera cases and straps, tripods, filters, lenses and caps and screen protectors.